THERE will be more than a few tears shed when the final whistle is blown on 123 years of competitive football at Nantwich Town's Jackson Avenue ground on Saturday.

Fans and officials will wave goodbye to the ground, which served the club well since 1884, before this summer's £3.8m move to a complex at Kingsley Fields.

Club officials say it is the beginning of a new, prosperous era.

Chairman Clive Jackson said: 'It's the end of one era and the start of another one. We have 26 teams now who can't be served by just one pitch. The facilities at the new stadium will be fabulous.

'I'm sure the last game will be tinged with a lot of sadness for some people and I'd like to thank the many people who have worked tirelessly for the club at Jackson Avenue over the years.

'My 13 years here have been filled with happy memories and I'm sure Jackson Avenue will always have a place in everyone's hearts.'

Trustee Albert Pye, 72, who has been watching Dabbers' games since he was a schoolboy, said: 'It's going to be a sad occasion for myself and a lot of people connected with the club. We're looking forward to the move to Kingsley Fields but it's going to be a sad day.

'One man who has been going to matches since before the Second world War was almost in tears after last Saturday's g ame.'

To mark the occasion, the club is to produce a limited edition badge.

Supporters will also be able to secure a limited edition painting of the Jackson Avenue stadium through the skills of Nantwich artist Peter Green. He will present the club with the original copy before the match.